Zias add pair of prep teammates for basketball

June 7, 2011

Freedom New Mexico

New Eastern New Mexico University women’s basketball coach Lindsey Wilson has added her first two signees for 2011-12.

DeSoto (Texas) H.S. teammates Jasmine Johnson and Amber Williford were part of a team that went 32-6 and reached the fourth round of the Texas Class 5A playoffs. Johnson is a 5-foot-10 inch forward while Williford is a 5-9 forward.

“DeSoto is one of the top programs in Texas,” Wilson said. “They’re good year-in and year-out.”

Neither player was a big scorer for the Lady Eagles. Williford averaged 3.1 points per game and Johnson 2.6, although Williford was the team’s second-leading rebounder at 4.5 per game.

Wilson, an assistant at Texas-Arlington for the past five years, had scouted nearby DeSoto numerous times and has seen both players in action.

With eight players expected back from last year’s ENMU squad under Linden Weese, Wilson said she’s looking to add a couple more players for next season.

“We’re making pretty good progress,” she said. “We’re looking for another post and possibly a guard.”

ENMU adds four for track, cross country — Four New Mexico high school athletes have signed letters of intent with ENMU for track and cross country for next season.

They include Stephanie McCorkle of Albuquerque (Volcano Vista H.S.), Irwin Vera of Santa Teresa, Shawna Blaisure of Estancia and Jose Arias of Chamberino (Gadsden H.S.). All four placed in recent state track competition at Albuquerque.

ENMU, under the direction of interim coach Mike Harney, opens its cross country season on Sept. 1 in a meet at Midwestern State.